The wayward rose.
In my courtyard, I planted climbing roses on the wall and column of what I call the bell tower. One was a very vigorous variety – Mermaid. She grew up the wall and into the tower until she found the opening to the front. How wonderful I thought to have the rose peeping out of the tower and maybe even having it grow along the eaves. It was doing beautifully and I was poised to begin training it when I received another letter. You know the drill. This wayward rose has managed to detract from the glorious beige blandness of my street and must be stopped. And guess who will protect that blandness. It’s my homeowners association.
So once again I backed down. I pruned back the rose. Glorious beigeness is restored.
